I got nowhere. I put the pile of papers back into the folders with the kind of care that suggested there was still something in them. But there wasn't.
The only thing that stood out were two names.
Two names that didn't belong anywhere.
Mira Halden and Chloe Vernay.
They weren't recovered, but they weren't active patients either. They were just there. Somewhere on the edge of the system, like shadows.
I grabbed my phone and dialed.
— Hi, Roland. It's Alyssa. — After a moment's pause, I continued. — I need a quick lookup. Two patients: Mira Halden and Chloe Vernay. Their files… they're not closed.
— Halden… Vernay… Alright. Give me five minutes? I'll check.
— Sure. Thanks, Roland.
I hung up. Laughter drifted in from the villa. I pushed back my chair and stepped out onto the back terrace.
In the garden, at least ten people were seated around a long table covered in candles. They laughed, drank wine, as if this weren't a secluded institution but a Mediterranean villa somewhere by the sea.
He was there too. Aslan. At the head of the table. Slowly, he lifted his gaze and met mine.
That look… irritatingly calm. As if he knew nothing — or everything.
On impulse, I grabbed my blazer and bag. Headed toward the main entrance. I was just about to step out when the housekeeper appeared in front of me.
— Inspector? Can I help you?
— I want to go into town. Now.
— Oh, of course. I'll call the driver right away…
— No need. I'm driving.
— Then… please, follow me. I'll take you to the garage.
In the garage, a line of gleaming cars greeted me. Mustang. Rolls-Royce. AMG Mercedes. Bentley. Aston Martin. A Bugatti, like something from another world.
— Anything… less black?
— Hmm… maybe this onyx black Audi? It's a bit… less grim.
I looked up at her.
— Not much better. But it'll do. After all… all I need is four wheels, not philosophy.
The engine purred to life, and I pulled onto the road, shadows flitting past between the trees. It was late afternoon. In the distance, the city lights were already beginning to glow.
I needed to talk to someone. Someone who'd been part of this story before. And I was going to approach it differently.
Reports that spotless can only mean one thing.
Something personal.
I sought out a small ethics oversight office — I'd heard someone from there had already visited the clinic.
I stopped in front of the gray building. Checked my watch. They might still be in.
I knocked. The security guard was just about to lock up.
— Closing time, ma'am.
— Alyssa Mervaux. Ethics inspector. — I showed my badge.
He hesitated. Let me in. A woman received me in the office. Elegant, slightly cold, and clearly not happy about my visit.
— How can I help you?
— Just three questions. If you answer, I'll be gone.
She didn't reply, just gestured for me to sit.
— I know you've been to the clinic.
— I didn't find anything. My report is public. You can read it.
— I'm not just interested in the official part. — A muscle tightened in her face. — I'm asking whether you had a personal relationship with Aslan Vardem.
A moment of silence. The air tensed. I already had my answer.
— My private life has nothing to do with my official duties.
— I know. But in a place where the line between rule and personal gets so blurred…
— I'm not obligated to answer.
— I know. — I stood. — But you already did.
She just stared at me with a cold, icy gaze.
She said nothing more. And I didn't ask. I left.
Got back in the car and drove to the villa.
By the time I arrived, the house was silent. Lights burned on every level, yet… it felt empty.
Only faint music and the clink of glass filtered from one of the larger rooms.
I peeked in.
Aslan stood at the billiard table, leaning casually, spinning the cue between his fingers. He didn't even look at me.
— If you're planning to visit every ethics inspector from the past, I can give you a list.
I didn't answer. But something must have flickered across my face — annoyance? Tension?
— Or do you want a list of my lovers, too? — he continued softly, still aiming at the balls. — That one's long as well. And yes, some of them were ethics inspectors.
For a moment, I just stood there. Then he finally looked at me. Smiled.
— If you want, I can give you that list too.
I rolled my eyes and started up the stairs without replying.
In the room, I didn't turn on the light. I just walked to the window and looked out into the dark garden.
Hoping I'd still find something… before time slipped away for good.